Question

A 21-year-old man presents himself to the release of information (ROI) specialist at Metro Medical Center with a request to access his birth records. The young man stated he was adopted and has recently experienced some health complications that his physician suspects are linked to a possible genetic disorder. If he can confirm whether a genetic disorder exists through his mother, the physician will be able to establish a more positive, less expensive, and evasive treatment protocol for the young man. The adoptive parents were able to provide the name of the hospital where he was born and the name of his mother. The young man is requesting access to his birth record including the medical history of his birth mother who had originally indicated during the adoption process that she wished to remain anonymous. The young man has submitted his name to the State’s Adoption Registry in hopes his biological mother will contact him through the registry.

Utilizing your decision matrix, answer the following questions supporting your reasoning:

1. Does the young man have a right to his birth record or his biological mother’s medical history?
   1. If so, what issues need to be considered before the adoptee is provided with this information?
2. Since genetic information is requested is there special circumstances to consider before such information is released?

Answer 1

This young man has the right to get his birth record and his mother's medical history under Medical and Psychological Information. The adopted child can be provided information which has a strong cause to request and get the details for medical treatment. This is issued only when there is a suspicion of any hereditary or genetic disease.

The things which has to be considered are

• The adoptee wants the information for diagnosing and genetic disease and get appropriate treatment
• Not getting the information just to know about their biological parents and get reunited intentionally for the sake of monetary gains or taking revenge .
• The mother should have provided a medical history form and given consent to access it by the adoptee in future if needed

The special circumstances to be considered are not to go against the protected health information of a patient and protecting the privacy of the patient.

To make sure the law permits it with adequate reasons to release the information to the adoptee

There should be a consent for disclosure.